BAMF 3rd Gen Grille insert install

Here are the installation instructions for installing in drop in grille insert.

Tools needed
small ratchet.
10mm socket
11/32 socket
T 20 torx
Flat head and Phillips screw driver

Step 1
Remove the grille from the truck by simply removing the two bolts on the top of the picture with the 10mm socket and the two push pins at the lower section of the picture.


Close up of the locking push pins.


Don't pry the whole thing up just the little round tab.


And then they just pull out.


Then just grab the side of the grille and pull firmly the grille should just pop off.


Step 2
Once the grille is removed set it on a clean surface and remove these screws.



Now that the screws are out you will need to start popping out the insert and bezel.


Just apply slight pressure wile pulling from the front of the grille one tab at a time starting with the bezel tabs first. Work your way around the grille being careful not to snap off one of the tabs.



Once removed it should look like that.


Step 3
The next steps is to install the rubber grommets, drop the BAMF insert in and bolt it up with the supplied hardware. NOTE all you need to do is get it snug over tightening the bolts will only cause deformation of the factory surround, the insert or both. you have to do some pulling to get the insert to pop in its a very snug fit so put one end in and pull the surround not the other side to allow the room to pop it in.

The insert is cold rolled mild steel if you scratch the coating you will need to touch it up or it will rust. The mounting bolts can cut into the coating if not installed with caution.

We also have 3 reports of the factory plastic surround getting a stress crack over time. Additional steps may be needed to prevent this from happening.

There is a little notch in the plastic that is a fatigue point that might need to be reinforced from the back side to support the insert. More so in extreamly cold areas of the country.

Here is a fiber glass repair kit that could be used on the back side of the plastic surround to strengthen the weak areas prone to cracking.

$21 Bondo Fiberglass Resin Repair Kit, 00420, 0.45 Pint

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Fiberglas...-1&keywords=bondo+fiberglass+resin+repair+kit


The grille is pushing 15lbs and very ridged from it's design and wont flex like the plastic. If off roading/Hard driving the plastic can fatigue as well causing the plastic clips that mount the grille to break.

Rubber grommet install.
Thread them into the bolts like so.



After the grommets are installed wiggle the bolts into place on the insert holes. They take some effort on take your time. just wiggle back and fourth and turn they will pop in.


This is fully seated



Now you can bolt it up.


Once the inset is bolted into place re-install the grille back into the truck.












And another awesome install!

 

Oh wow that's bitchin! Nice work OP!

 

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... ^^^ ... Nice Grille and writeup
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Can't wait to install my own this Grille really sets the front off

 

Ohhhh yeah!!!

 

LOOKS FREAKING AWESOME.
No 2nd Gen Though?

 

Whelp. Guess you have to buy a third Gen to go with the grill!

 

This may sound corny.... But add some type of lights behind the TOYOTA grille where it light up the words?

 

Is the color choice insert, the piece visible through toyota/tacoma lettering cut out, removable? Say, if I wanted to paint the insert a different color at a later date...

 

Yes

 

Bad picture...outstanding grill. Super happy with the flat black on gloss black lettering.

 

Looks great on the sliver truck I'm glad people are choosing contracting colors from their truck color

 

Is there specific holes that use the longer screws? And what do I do with the small black washers?

 

Yes on the top and bottom of the grille the holes on edge. You will see the other ones are too short for those locations. The small washers are for spots that you can't fit the fender wagers. You can also sand the fender washers down to fit if you like.

 

Thank you.

 

I have a TRD sport in silver. That's great looking. Where did you purchase that grill?

 

Hey Jim. Here's the link.

 

Thanks bro.

 

Ermagerd...I can't wait!!!

 

Yes!!!! So stoked to have this on the truck!